By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com
GERALDINE, Ala. — The Geraldine Bulldogs defeated the Collinsville Panthers, 19-14 on Friday night. This win gave the Geraldine Bulldogs a spot in the Class 3A State Playoffs and denied Collinsville a tie for a playoff spot.
The Bulldogs threw interceptions on their first two drives of the game but kept the Collinsville Panthers from scoring during the first quarter.
With 9:02 remaining in the opening half, River Walling scored on a 1-yard dash into the endzone for the Bulldogs. The point-after attempt failed but gave Geraldine the 6-0 lead. Caleb Hall brought it around the left side from 35-yards out for the Bulldogs. Geraldine went for two but the Panthers held them, making the score 12-7, with 3:35 remaining in the second quarter. Collinsville put points on the board, as Malachi Orr came crashing in from 16-yards out. The kick by John David Vargas was good, narrowing the Bulldog lead to 12-7. Geraldine answered back with 1:03 remaining in the first half, with a 16-yard stampede down the field by Tony Willoughby. The kick was good giving the Geraldine Bulldogs the 19-7 advantage going into the half.
Collinsville took the second-half kickoff, 82 yards on 7 plays to bring the score to 19-14, with 3:35 remaining in the third quarter.
With 7:00 remaining in the game, Collinsville moved down the field for a first down on the 11. A holding penalty at the 3 pushed them back to the 18 where they turned the ball back over to Geraldine on downs. Geraldine kept the ball the last 7 minutes, getting four first downs to seal the win.
Geraldine had 289 yards for the night with Collinsville having 278 yards.
Troy Willoughby led the Bulldogs with 83 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.
Malachi Orr had 129 yards on 15 carries and scored both of Collinsville touchdowns. Dalton Hughes has 66 yards on 11 carries and 56 yards passing.
“We are excited to be in the playoffs. That’s why you play,” stated Geraldine Head Coach Brad Waldrop. “I thought Collinsville played their guts out all four quarters tonight.”
“I thought that we let plays and calls going against us in the first half get to us a little, but not in the second half,” stated Collinsville Head Coach Daniel Garrett. “I thought we fought to the very end and I am very proud of this team. We have to have a really good game next week to send our seniors out with a win.”
Both teams will be on the road this week. Geraldine will travel to take on Crossville while Collinsville will travel to take on Valley Head.